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More Natural Ways to Manage Your Pain

Something that not a lot of readers here know is that I spent a long time working on the front lines of our nation’s opioid epidemic. Because of that exposure I’m especially cautious when it comes to pain relievers. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is most definitely a time and place for prescription and OTC pain medication! As a migraine sufferer I definitely have to use medication. Unfortunately though, too often people reach for medication at the slightest sign of an ache or pain. There are much more natural ways to deal with some of them without keep putting drugs into your body.

Exercise

When we exercise our pain threshold increases. This is because the body produces more endorphins and hormones that control our pain levels. If you think you are in too much pain to exercise, you should start off slowly. This can help to reduce the pain, and then you can increase your exercise. It may not get you off the painkillers totally, but exercise can potentially reduce the amount you need to take.

Fish Oils

Fish oils are an anti-inflammatory. If you are suffering from pains in your joints back or neck, fish oils can be very effective. One study of 125 patients showed that more than half of them were able to stop taking painkillers after taking fish oils instead.

Sciatica Pain Relief Cushion

Sciatica, like some other nerve pains, can be made worse by the way you are sitting or standing. The sciatica pain relief cushion is shown to stretch the sciatic nerve while reducing the pressure on it every time you sit down. This can reduce the pain you are suffering and mean that you will be more comfortable.

Turmeric

This is a root often used in Indian foods. It had been noticed that it has pain-relieving qualities and researchers found that if it is mixed with bromelain and Devil’s claw it can help reduce the pain for osteoarthritis sufferers.

Heat and Cold Therapies

Ice is used to reduce localized swelling, and once the swelling goes down so does the amount of pain being suffered. Hot baths can reduce the amount of pain being felt from muscles tensions. These are both time-honored ways of reducing pain and are used in many different situations, sporting injuries being very typical.

The secret is knowing when to use heat and when to use cold, and once you understand that they can both be very effective for pain relief.

Meditation

As well as helping with pain relief, people who use meditation usually find they are more alert and feel better mentally as well. This is because of the calming effects that meditation has, and many pain sufferers who have used it continue to do so even after their aches and pains have disappeared.

Some Important Points About Pain Relief

You have to remember that a pain remedy that works for one person might not work for another. It is possible to think two people are suffering from the same pain, but the causes can be totally different.

The main thing is that you find something that works for you and that may well be a natural remedy or something prescribed by your doctor. The most important thing is to ensure that you get your pain checked out so that you know exactly what it is. If you don’t do that, then you could try entirely the wrong things and either feel no effect or end up worse off. When in doubt, always see your doctor!

-Kristen

This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links, from which I may receive income. All opinions are, as always, my own. While I am an ACE Certified Health Coach I am not a medical professional and the information provided in this post is not to be considered medical advice.